Homes for Uncertain Times 2035 by Mariah Giacchetta

HOMES FOR UNCERTAIN TIMES

a report by BIC

BIC Arianna Meroni, Federica Parolisi, Marcello Iudice, Mariah Madureira Giacchetta, Wen Luo, Xiayong Liu

HOW WASHING AND CLEANING WILL LOOK LIKE IN 2035?

Based on research data from papers, reports, interviews and case studies, we tried to catch a glimpse on how cleaning and washing activities will be held in daily life 15 years from now.

To narrow down our research scope, we chose the cities of Shanghai and Milan as our stages.

CITY ANALYSIS: SHANGHAI

AN OVERVIEW Shanghai is a coastal city in the east-centre of China, with a population of 24.2 million in 2018. Located in the country’s main industrial area, Shanghai faces serious air, water, and noise pollution. It has an average population density of 2,059 people/ km2, although this number increases to 3,854/km2 in urban areas. Shanghai is the most intensive and rich city in China’s innovation resources. It has a huge influence on the innovation and development of the Yangtze River Delta region and the whole country. TEMPERATURE & AIR POLLUTION The city’s rapid urbanization process has signif-

lower”[1].

icantly pushed up its annual mean temperature. With the worsening effects of global warming and

By 2050, the maximum temperature of the warm-

growth of the urbanization process, “the frequen-

est month in the city is likely to increase by 2.5°C,

cy of annual extreme high-temperature events

resulting in an annual temperature change of 2°C

will become higher, while the frequency of annual

[2]. One of the many negative effects of high tem-

extreme lower temperature events will become

peratures is the increase in ground-level ozone.

CLIMATE CHANGE & SEA-LEVEL RISE Air pollution control in China since 2013 has achieved decreases in PM2.5. But this also meant a

Coastal cities all over the world are facing sea-level

rise in surface ozone in megacity clusters of China,

rise but Shanghai will have the highest number of

notably Beijing and Shanghai [3].

people affected. [8] In recent years, the frequency of high-temperature heatwaves and short-term

Ozone poses a more difficult war than fine parti-

heavy precipitation in Shanghai has increased sig-

cles because of its complex formation process. It

nificantly. [9]

has replaced PM2.5 pollution as the biggest threat to the health of residents in several major main-

Located where the Yangtze River enters the East

land cities in China [4].

China Sea, the city is “one of the most exposed coastal megacities to extreme flooding, caused by

Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions have

a typhoon induced storm surge in combination

been pointed out as the main factor in ozone

with a high astronomic tide, heavy rain and fluvial

concentration [5]. Sources of VOCs in house-

flood.” [10]

hold products include: paints, paint strippers and other solvents; wood preservative;, aerosol sprays;

With a projected sea-level increase around 50 to

cleansers and disinfectants; moth repellents and

70 cm by 2050 [11], the city is expected to have

air fresheners; stored fuels and automotive prod-

a flooding and rainfall rate 20% higher than the

ucts; dry-cleaned clothing; pesticides. VOCs are

global average. On top of that, two to three ty-

“2 to 5 times higher inside homes than outside,

phoons hit the city every year.

regardless of whether the homes were located in

The city is also sinking due to the extraction of

rural or highly industrial areas”. [6]

vast quantities of groundwater and its weight. [12]

Another negative effect that has been raised upon

In 2014, Shanghai began to adopt a series of meas-

higher temperature levels is the increasing de-

ures to prevent floods as part of China’s “sponge

mand for air conditioners. Unfortunately, HFCs

city” initiative. The measures include “rooftops

gases are used in most air conditioning systems.

covered by plants, wetlands for rainwater stor-

These gases have a very high global warming po-

age, and permeable pavements that store excess

tential. [7]

runoff water and allow evaporation for temper-

CITY ANALYSIS: SHANGHAI

ature moderation”. By 2020, 80% of urban areas

If we think of economic growth of Shanghai’s

should absorb and re-use at least 70% of rainwa-

population this in conection with higher levels of

ter, “reducing the risks of flooding and enhancing

product consumption, how could this affect the

the water supply security”. [13] As a response to

indoor air quality? For further reasoning, here

sea-level rise, the city has constructed 520 km of

is an extract from the book "Cradle to cradle:

seawalls and installed mechanical gates to regulate

remaking the way we make things":

rivers’ flow.

"Since 1987 we have been studying various

POPULATION GROWTH

products from major manufacturers, ordinary things such as a computer mouse, an electric

Shanghai has the highest population density in

shaver, a hair dryer (...) that during use they

China and is estimated to reach a 34.34 million

all off-gassed teratogenic and/or carcinogenic

population in 2035. However, the government

compounds (...)" [15]

wants to limit it to 25 million by the same period. When we look into the demographics of China, we see an ageing population with the median age

The changes in Shanghai’s direction of develop-

expected to be 46 years old in 2030 and 56 in 2050.

ment will depend mainly on the connotation and

Shanghai has an average life expectancy above 83.

characteristics of the middle class’s lifestyle and values.

In 2017, people aged 60 and over accounted for 33.2% of Shanghai’s total population. According

LANDSCAPE & AIR QUALITY

to the Shanghai Civil Affairs Bureau statistics and forecasters, the city’s elderly will continue to grow

Shanghai has currently 1.670 buildings with more

and will account for 40% of the registered popula-

than 30 floors. In 1990, there were only 15. More

tion in 2030 [14].

high-rise buildings increases the roughness of the ground and affect the horizontal wind speed,

The middle class has become the main driving

worsening the spread of pollutants.

force of social economy and consumption. It is AIR POLLUTION & ENERGY

predicted that by 2050, the proportion of the middle class in Shanghai will increase to 60%-70%, and the proportion of the wealthy class and the

Air pollution ranks on the 4th position on a list

bottom of society will be reduced to less than 30%.

of 10 risks factors that drive the most death and

24.200.000 2018

30.800.000 2030

40%

disability combined in China, from 2007-2017.

The future 80% of fresh water in Shanghai will

Although having declared “war on pollution” in

be provided by the Yangtze River estuary and the

2014, China still faces a series of problems when

Xintan Reservoir. Research shows that the city’s

it comes to improving air quality rates. Much of

water supply safety margin will be zero by 2023.

the focus has been on reducing concentrations of small airborne particles known as PM2.5.

WASTE MANAGEMENT & AIR POLLUTION

PM2.5 is one of the highest risk pollutants related to health problems, predominantly to the

Shanghai has, for now, the world’s largest

respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Although

waste-to-energy plant. It burns 6 thousand

all people get affected, susceptibility to the

tons of garbage each day, with a 3 million tons

pollution varies with health or age.

annual incineration capacity. By 2020, 80% of all municipal domestic garbage will be incinerated.

If we take this 15 years from now and merge this data with the ageing population aspect, what

Incineration plants are known to emit dioxins,

does a 25mcg/PM2.5 annual mean represents in

heavy metals (like mercury, cadmium and thallium)

terms of public health issues? Currently, 32% of

and other pollutants. These have been implicated

Shanghai’s population is aged 60 and above, which

in a range of disorders in humans and animals.

means 8.3 million people.

Once the waste has been burned, residues

PM2.5 concentration change through the seasons:

remain and will have to be buried in controlled

it reaches the highest levels in winter and lowest in

landfill sites. Only part of these residues, if

summer. In winter months coal is burned to heat

sufficiently benign, can be incorporated into roads

buildings. Coal, the worst polluting energy source,

construction for example.

makes up 60% of China’s energy. HOUSEHOLD CHARACTERISTICS According to The People’s Republic of China Third National Communication on Climate Change,

Types of households in China: the relatively stable

one of the main factors influencing energy

type (e.g., three-generation immediate family),

consumption and CO2 emissions in the future

the obviously increasing type (e.g., single-person

will be the population growth and household

household, one-couple household, generation-

consumption. By 2030, with the increase of

skipping household), and the decreasing type (e.g.,

urbanization level and the improvement of

impaired nuclear family).

residents’ living standards, household energy consumption will continue to increase.

Nuclear family is still the dominant type of household in China. Only-couple nuclear

WATER RESOURCES

households are the fastest growing, whereas the two-generation standard nuclear households are

The Suzhou River (the lower reach of Wusong River) and the Huangpu River (a tributary of the Yangtze) flow through the city. Even though the Huangpu is Shanghai’s main water source, it receives industrial discharges, domestic sewage, and ships’ wastes.

decreasing most rapidly.

CITY ANALYSIS: SHANGHAI

SHANGHAI’S MASTER PLAN 2017-2035 We collected the main points related to our topic

90% accessibility to open public space (park and

from the city’s plan for 2035 [16] in order to further

squares covering over 400 m2) within 5 minutes’

investigate how the city could be and how it may

walking distance.

affect the daily life about washing and cleaning. ENVIRONMENT “Shanghai is under mounting pressure of function transformation, continuous population growth

At least 60% of the city’s will be made of

and environmental resource constraint.”

“ecological land” (including land for afforested squares). Forest coverage will reach 23% of the

The survey of public visions on Shanghai received

city’s area and create a “urban-rural” landscape.

over 16,000 completed questionnaires, showing

Park space per capita will be doubled (increasing

that the public have placed great hope on

from the present 3.8 m2/person to 7.6 m2/

building Shanghai into an “environment-friendly,

person). Several new urban parks with area up to 1

economically-developed, culturally-diversified and

km2 will be built.

safe and livable city” . The results of the survey also pointed out that efforts should be made on solving

The annual mean concentration of PM2.5

issues like environmental pollution, residential

will be controlled at around 25mcg/m3 (the

housing and living environment, community-

concentration of fine particulate matter, known as

based elder care and health care.

PM2.5).

POPULATION

Note: according to the World Health Organization Air Guidelines, PM2.5 should be at a maximum 10

In order to mitigate the contradiction between

mcg/m3 annual mean. [17]

rapid population growth and resource and environment restrictions, Shanghai set population

HOUSING

size of around 25 million persons as the goal for permanent population regulation by 2035.

Advocate an approach encouraging renting and purchase. Increase the proportions for rent

URBAN SOCIAL LIFE

among newly built residential buildings.

“Shanghai 2035 mainly focuses on the

Arrange social housing via multiple channels.

communities as spatial units of basic urban social

Complete the “four in one” housing guarantee

life in the networked era.”

system (i.e. low-rent housing, public rental housing, common property rights housing and

The city plans to achieve this by building a

resettlement housing). By 2035, low-income

15-minute daily living circle, with a diverse set

housing will account for 8%-10% of all housing

of public services within a 15 minutes’ walking

across the city.

distance. Average travel distance for the daily life needs will be limited to 2.5km. Also, up to

Meet residents’ need for multilevel and diversified

housing. Supply talent apartments, globalized

ENERGY AND CO2 EMISSIONS

communities and houses for the elderly based on the needs of different groups. Construct and

The energy structure will be optimized to reduce

renovate a group of houses for the elderly.

industrial and building energy consumption while green transportation will be encouraged

WATER RESOURCES

to comprehensively reduce carbon emissions. The total carbon emissions of the entire city and

Efforts will be made to step up the construction

carbon emissions per capita will reach the peak by

of an ecological corridor by the sea and both sides

2025.

of trunk watercourses, and to restore the ecology

By 2035, the total carbon emissions will be reduced

along the coastal line. An integrated water-

by about 5% of the peak value, the proportion of

greenery watercourse space that centers on 226

renewable energy resources in primary energy

watercourses will be built to develop an urban

sources will be increased, and all (100%) newly-

blue network. A 2000 km main greenway will also

built buildings will reach the standards for green

be constructed, where residents may do physical

building.

exercises or entertain themselves. CLIMATE CHANGE AND TEMPERATURE Efforts will be made to build a mechanism to link up water sources in the Yangtze River Delta and

Enhance the upgrade and reconstruction of

respond to water resource emergencies, and to

various buildings, and the maintenance and

improve water supply that centers on two rivers

protection of life-saving engineering to cope with

(Yangtze River and Huangpu River) with multiple

the changing climate effect; improve community,

supplementary sources.

society and the economyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resilience to enhance the capability to respond to extreme climate at the community level; construct and control air ducts to introduce natural air, so as to mitigate

Analysis: this shows the government concern with water supply for the city. According to the report Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Looming Water Crisis, the province of Shanghai suffers from acute water scarcity.

Utilization of groundwater will be enhanced as emergency standby water resources, and the comprehensive utilization of river and lake water, rainwater and recycled water will also be encouraged.

urban heat island effect.

INTERVIEWS: SHANGHAI

INTERVIEW 1

garbage, people want to throw garbage, they can only be placed at the garbage collection point, so

Name: Tian Kunkun

the garbage will pile up.

Topic: Life in Shanghai related to washing and cleaning

[on water quality] I think the water quality in Shanghai is not good. It tastes strange to drink,

INTERVIEWEEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PROFILE

and I have observed that many people in Shanghai have some yellow teeth, so I wonder if it will

Tian Kunkun is a university teacher. At the age of

be the cause of water quality. Because I was very

24, she has lived in Shanghai for about 7 years. She

curious about how bad this water is, I bought a

likes to do things by herself and her life is set upon

water quality test pen to check the quality of the

a regular routine.

water. I found it to be qualified, but I went online to check the Chinese national water quality stand-

Q&A

ard. I found it has a good standard in other countries. The quality standards for water quality here

What do you think of the living environment in

are much lower. Because the water quality stand-

Shanghai?

ard is very low, all tap water needs to be filtered before being consumed.

I think that the place where I live is very small because there are many people living in a small

[on air quality] I think the air quality in the place

area. The size of the house is much smaller than

where I live (Songjiang District) is not bad, much

the size of the house in my hometown, and people

better than the air in the city centre, probably be-

live intensively.

cause it is a suburb.

[about garbage classification] I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about

How many times do you wash your clothes?

personal self-consciousness, but there are some problems in the community where I live. When I

For my underwear, I will choose hand washing, as

throw wet garbage, I have to throw the garbage

well as some expensive clothes like wool fabrics

and garbage bags separately, so I will get dirty.

and more delicate ones. I will wash them by hand,

Then throwing garbage must be thrown in the cor-

and I will wash them once in 4 to 5 days. And I will

rect time period, so when people are not throwing

wash my underwear when I take a shower.

Sheets, T-shirts and other clothes that are not very

kind of yellow water. It can’t be used in daily life.

expensive will be washed in the washing machine. I won’t wash my coat by myself - I will sent it to the

Therefore, the management of this area sent a

laundry for washing.

water tanker to the door of the residential area. If we need water, we need to bring a basin or other

When washing clothes, the clothes will be sorted

equipment to the water tanker to pick it up. So I

by color, which will affect the number of times of

can’t wash my clothes for the past two weeks. If I

washing.

want to take a shower, I can only go to a friend or colleague’s house to take a shower. And the shops

How about the water fee?

around the community cannot continue to operate. I didn’t dare to use tap water as drinking

I don’t think water is expensive, but the city

water after restarting the water supply.

center’s water bill will be more expensive than the suburbs. When I lived in the city center, it is

How do you carry out washing related activities

about 30 RMB a month. When I live in Songjiang,

in your kitchen?

it is about 10 RMB a month. I think it may be that the reservoir or the water intake is not the same,

Washing vegetables is no problem for me. The

because I noticed that the water supply company

kitchen appliances will be cleaned once a week

that accepts the bill is not the same, but I feel that

because I have a high frequency of cooking, so I

the quality of the water in the city center is better

will clean all the appliances in the kitchen, which

and clearer.

will take about one and a half hours. But every day I finish the meal, I will clean the kitchen desktop.

And when I want to wash my face every morning,

I don’t have a dishwasher at home, because I don’t

the first cup of water that is opened by the tap is

think it is necessary, and I think the dishwasher is

not available because it will be yellow.

not as fast as than hand washing, and it is better to wash it by hand.

But there was a terrible thing happened last month and I still remember it. Because the tram was built,

Sometimes there are some bugs in the kitchen, but

the construction team smashed the water supply

there aren’t many than the old houses I rented in

pipe when they were working on the road near the

the city. I will use a product to kill these bugs.

community. The tap water that was released one

INTERVIEWS: SHANGHAI 12

How about washing your bathroom?

wearable, so I can only wear new clothes.

I will clean the toilet one time one week. Because

As for the kitchen, food and grains will soon be

I have a lot of hair loss, I often use the broom to

broken or bugs, so every year in mid-August, I will

sweep the floor. I will use the shower head to wet

throw away a lot of bad food and buy new ones.

the bathroom wall and then use a brush to clean it,

And my skin feel very uncomfortable too.

so I don’t think I have used a lot of water to clean it. If I have a lot of work to do, I will choose to do

What do you think about water pollution?

this on weekends. If it is not very busy, I will do it on Wednesday.

I will pay attention to some of these problems, and I think this issue has a lot to do with our

What is the frequency in which you clean your

daily life. For example, in my hometown, there is a

room?

river. Before the factory is built around, the water there was very clear. But after the development of

I cleaned the room once a week, that is, I changed

industry the water quality of the river has become

the sheets, and then kept the daily attention clean.

very poor.

How do you shower?

What are the impacts of air pollution in your life?

I don’t have a bathtub, so I can only take a shower

Because of air pollution, I rarely open the window.

everyday. I will use the bath ball and the bath towel

If I open the window, there will be a lot of dust,

about 2 times a week. The time is about 15 minutes.

and the room will be very terrible so I need to

The water of the shower is always open.

clean my room more frequently.

How do you prepare for Mei-yu season?

What is the main cause of air pollution in your opinion?

Note: Mei-yu is the East Asian rainy season and it lasts for nearly two months during the late spring

I think the main reason is the discharge of the fac-

and early summer.

tory and some other human factors. For example, in some Chinese restaurants, the kitchen has a

When I first arrived in Shanghai, I was very un-

large amount of fumes and will be discharged di-

comfortable with this kind of environment, so I

rectly into the air without treatment. Sometimes

would often turn on air conditioners to reduce the

it may not be as good as the factory management.

humidity in the room. In Meiyu season, the sheets in the room will become very wet, but I feel that

How do you and the people you know deal with

living in the upper floors may be better.

this problem?

Because I don’t have a dryer in my house, I can

I feel that prevention is difficult. For example,

only dry my clothes indoors. It is very difficult to

there is a hot pot restaurant downstairs in my

get dry and it is accompanied by a bad smell. So

aunt’s house. The hot pot restaurant will produce a

I will reduce the frequency of washing clothes in

lot of fumes. They will discharge the fumes directly

Mei-yu season because the clothes I wash won’t be

upstairs, so my aunt said that she often smells hot

pot at home. The taste can only be opened as little as possible to the outside window. Personally, I will wear a mask when I need to go outside in winter. At the same time, I will try to eat by making some special food. Have you ever bought a product related to purifying the air? I think the air purifier is useless. It can only be a psychological comfort. I will also buy some charcoal to put it in the closet to absorb the odor, but the effect is very limited. What do you think will change in the future in terms of climate change and pollution? I think that the problem of global warming or air pollution cannot be changed. The human factor can only slow down the seriousness of the problem. And the way to reduce air pollution by cycling or by bus does not make me feel a sense of accomplishment, because I don’t know the actual impact of doing these things. But the classification of garbage can make me feel that I really did a lot of useful things to protect the environment, which will bring me a lot of sense of accomplishment. · Strong relationship between sense of cleanliness

and appearance · Lack of trust in water quality due to appearance and information about quality standards · Different levels of care/attention towards different products related to the perception of importance and durability · Relates the value of water to money/ economic costs, not environmental ones · Lack of trust in the supply system: egative episodes with the water supply at home causes a change of perspective in water quality · Lack of awareness of how much water is used to clean and wash · Mei-yu season: high humidity levels in the environment causes discomfort · Relationship between smell with cleanliness and well-being perceptions · Understanding of how water pollution affects daily life · Feels a sense of accomplishment when there is an understanding on how individual actions can contribute to the proctetion of the environment

INTERVIEWS: SHANGHAI 14

INTERVIEW 2

places is very bad (the subway, some people smoking on the street).

Name: Xu Yi Topic: Life in Shanghai related to washing and

How many times do you wash your clothes?

cleaning There is an IKEA laundry basket. Clothes will INTERVIEWEE’S PROFILE

probably pile up a quarter of the laundry basket until I will start to wash clothes (by color). During

Xu Yi is a designer who has lived in Shanghai over

the summer, I will wash every 2 to 3 days. I feel

5 years. She started trying to create a studio with

washing alone is a waste of water. And winter 3 to

her friends this year. She likes to try new things.

4 days.

She is renting a house in Shanghai, the house is located in a high-rise building but not far from the

The washing machine has a drying function (most

subway station, so she usually takes the subway

of them are clothes + socks) and I will hand wash

to work. She has asthma, so she cares a lot about

clothes that can’t be machine washed, such as

cleaning her room. But she doesn’t like to clean it

underwear.

because she needs more time to work, so she will ask a special cleaning staff to clean her house.

How about the water fee?

Q&A

Because domestic water is very cheap compared to electricity, there is not much attention. I spend

What do you think of the living environment in

a lot buying drinking water because I have no habit

Shanghai?

of bringing my own bottle.

Satisfied, but there is a lot of traffic jams.

How do you prepare for Mei-yu season?

[about garbage classification] The property is

There is no special feeling. I buy a kind of rain

better, the garbage can be placed at the door; in

boots.The frequency of washing clothes, may be

public places, there are few garbage bins, only dry

affected and I may open the cabinet to disperse

garbage and recyclable garbage (no place to throw

moisture.

wet garbage, once bought bananas, smashed all the way, took home and threw of).

Washing shoes is a very troublesome thing, so I will send the shoes to the special shoe-washing

[about water] I drink mineral water (although it

shop. The shoes are clean and take about 3 to 4

feels like polluting the environment but there is no

days to wash.

other way). I don’t feel comfortable drinking tap water.

How do you carry out washing related activities in your kitchen?

[about air] I feel that the suburban air is OK (but I think the air pollution in the surrounding areas of

I don’t have the habit of cooking, but I drink coffee

Shanghai is more serious). The air pollution in the

every day, so I only wash the cup every day.

urban area is more serious, and the air in public

If you have other appliances in the kitchen, such as

a range hood, every month there will be an person

have a big impact, I might consume less water

will come to clean it once, and the entire room will

related products.

be cleaned again. After use Microwave oven, I will clean it.

I think the South-to-North water transfer may change the environment. The best water in Zhe-

How about washing your bathroom?

jiang is for Shanghai, the second is for Hangzhou, and Shanghai will ask other provinces for water.

The frequency of the person who will come to my home and clean it is not enough for just one time

What are the impacts of air pollution in your life?

in one month, so I often clean it by myself (because there are too much hair on the floor, I clean the

Contamination can cause asthma: I will feel tired

sink 3 to 4 days, using kitchen paper).

and won’t want to work, heartbeat is faster, I need

I will put a mat in the bathroom door and the sink.

to take medicine and rest. But the most annoying

I never try to clean it, but when the person who

thing is that human factors (smoking). Sometimes

will clean my flat comes, she will clean a little with

I encounter people who are smoking on the road

a vacuum cleaner. I feel that my water consump-

will be very annoying

tion is not too much. Because I have severe asthma, I will try to avoid What is the frequency in which you clean your

going to the newly renovated place.

room? What is the main cause of air pollution in your Because I have a lot of hair loss, I sweep with a

opinion?

broom in 1 to 2 weeks. Every 2 to 3 weeks, there will be aunts to clean, if it

Industrial development is unavoidable and can

is really dirty, it will be swept 3 times after sweep-

only try to balance the relationship between in-

ing the ground. I will move the bed away, I didn’t

dustrial development and air pollution.

clean the window myself because I didn’t feel dirty. I don’t think I consume much water.

How do you and the people you know deal with this problem?

How do you shower? If I have to go out, I will choose to wear a mask, or I Shower, no body soap, soap will be used, but I

will choose do not do the outdoor activities. Then I

won’t use it every day. When using soap, the water

try not to go to the room where they just painted.

will be turned off. The bath time is about 10~30

A little further away from the people who is smok-

minutes (depending on the tiredness)

ing. Shanghai is much better than Beijing’s air.

I like to take a shower with hot water, but I use

Have you ever bought a product related to purify-

cold water in summer.

ing the air? How did you feel?

What do you think about water pollution?

I bought an air purifier when I was living in Beijing, but the main function used is the function of the

I only drink bottled water. When I was young, I

humidifier. I have never used it since I came to

would pay attention to it, but now I will not. If I

Shanghai. I feel that the air purifier is more of a

INTERVIEW: SHANGHAI 16

psychological comfort.

to work. If I need to buy a car, I will consider new

The wall air purifier feels better because it is

energy vehicles because there have been some

installed on the wall and the air that can be taken

preferential policies for buying new energy vehi-

from the outside is purified and discharged into

cles. New energy vehicles will not choose all-elec-

the room. It feels more reasonable.

tric, and may choose to combine electric-oil, because the technology of electric vehicles is not

Have you experienced new things for cleaning

mature enough.

the air? How do you want the government to manage air I haven’t tried it, but I know it. For example, as far

pollution problems?

as I know, Philips is doing similar products. But I think the smart mask is dirty, because only the

Increased smoking ban, environmentally friendly

filter cartridge needs to be replaced, and other

paint for decoration.

parts need to be used repeatedly. For me, I prefer a disposable mask because I think it is very clean.

In winter and summer, Shanghai needs to use air

But my mother will wear a mask by cotton cloth

conditioning, and cleaning is a problem.

made in the winter, because it can be washed and

Because of air pollution, I always feel that the dust

used repeatedly.

will never be cleaned.

I don’t like to set off firecrackers, so I don’t care much about this issue. However, there seems to be

· Spend more time at work than at home:

a kind of zero-emission fireworks on the market.

no time for cleaning = calls a professional

Although I like to watch fireworks, I will never put

cleaning staff to clean the house

it myself. If you are someone else, hope not to be quarreled.

· Health issues raise the awareness and concern about cleanliness

There are many people in Shanghai, the subway and station are very crowded, the air circulation is not good, the indoor air quality is very low,

INTERVIEW 3

very unpleasant, long time in a small space will make me feel very uncomfortable.

Name: Liu Lei Topic: Taking care of the elderly

What do you think will change in the future in

INTERVIEWEE’S PROFILE

terms of climate change and pollution? Liu Lei is a 45 yeas old man who worls as a quality I feel that it is very difficult for individuals to do

inspection engineer. He lived in Shanghai for over

things. Most of the air pollution is caused by facto-

29 years. He worked in a place very far from home

ries and requires government to manage.

and needed to drive to work every day. There are elderly people in the family who he needs to take

But from my own point of view, I don’t smoke, and

care of. His son studies in high school. Therefore,

then I usually choose to take the subway when I go

there is not enough time to take care of the elderly

in the family, because of the time he spents at work

How do you think the elderly may take care of

but and taking care of his son. Taking care of the

themselves?

elderly will make him feel very tired. I think that the difference between the way young Q&A

people should take care of themselves is not particularly large, but it may bring more physical la-

Do you have any experience in taking care of the

bor because of inconvenient movement or saving

elderly?

money, whether it is in laundry or cooking. Then take a shower with themself, they may need more

I have the experience of caring for the elderly, be-

attention to safety.

cause my wife’s father need stay on bed because of stroke, I need to feed him every day and help him

What’s your vision of life in the future?

have a shower. This requires two people to do this together. For example, if he need moved into the

I will choose to do more exercise to keep good

bathtub or wiped his body with a towel, he had no

health, more involved in the activities of peers,

self-care ability, and his wife could not take care

such as going out to travel together. Or when my

of him alone. At the beginning, going to the toilet

son gets married and has a child, I may take care of

was the most troublesome thing.

the child at home.

How do you feel about this? It’s actually a very troublesome thing, because I need to spend a lot of time doing this after work, so I am tired every day for the first few days. What do you think is the most difficult part? The most difficult thing is that I need to help him to go to the bathroom because he is inconvenient to move and often stains his clothes. When you eat at ordinary times, he will also get food everywhere. Every time we have a lot of clothes to wash, the sheets should be replaced and cleaned frequently. If I need to go to work, his wife can only do these things by herself, which is a very difficult thing for an elderly person. They don’t like to use washing machines. One is more noisy, and the other is that electricity bill is expensive, so they often use hand-washing to wash things, so she often talks about her back pain.

· Older people will choose to washing clothes by their hands because they are worry that the washing machine won’t clean it · Electricity is expensive, but doing by hand will affect their health · Young people at home can’t always take care of the elderly because of their work

KEY FINDINGS: SHANGHAI

Will impose more stress on cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resources Population growth

Higher density, smaller living spaces

Air quality will increase Air pollution

Indoor air pollution will still be an issue

It will be one of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main issues Water resources

Elderly will be 40% in 2030 Ageing population

Tiresome work due to time spent at work or taking care of family members Housework

Society

Elderly

Work Addicted

Data findings Interviews findings

CITY ANALYSIS: MILANO

AN OVERVIEW Milan is located in Lombardy, a region in Northern Italy, and it is the second most populous city after Rome. Well known for fashion, design, and culture, Milan is also Italyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s financial, commercial, and industrial center. Milan has a high degree of vulnerability to the impacts of climate change: EXTREME VALUES OF TEMPERATURE AND HEAT WAVES About the seasonal temperature distributions, The analysis of the trend in average temperatures

over the last twenty years it has been found that

shows an increase in average temperatures of +1.5 Â°

the heating process has been systematically more

compared to the last century, as a result of green-

accentuated during the summer season and less

house gas emissions.

pronounced in the winter season.

An analysis of the daily maximum and minimum

frequent cases of thermal inversion, long periods

temperatures showed a consistent increase in

of atmospheric stability differentiated by high

extremely hot events and a decrease in extremely

pressure);

cold events.

• High population density, of industrial and traffic activities.

It has been observed an increase of the frequency and intensity of heat wave (defined as the

The analysis of the data measured by the stations

exceptionally hot periods of at least 6 consecutive

present in the Milan area provides for a picture

days, during which the observed temperature

of the temporal evolution of air quality, comparing

exceeds the 90th percentile of average tempera-

the concentrations of the different pollutants in

tures usually experienced in a given region).

the atmosphere with the standards required by the

Frequency and intensity of heat waves will contin-

national legislation in force for the protection

ue to increase in the future.

of health and environment (D.Lgs.155 / 2010, which transposed the European Directive 2008/50 /

Some estimates predict that by 2050, Milan’s cli-

EC) and the Guidelines for the protection of hu-

mate will be very similar to that of the current

man health established by the World Health

Dallas. It is likely that the maximum temperature of

Organization (WHO / WHO).

the warmest month increases by 7.2 ° C, resulting in an average annual temperature change

Since the 1990s, it has been possible to observe an

of 2.5 ° C.

improvement in air quality with a notification of traditional pollutants: carbon monoxide (CO),

AIR QUALITY

sulfur dioxide (SO2), total suspended dust, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and benzene ranging from

The improvement of air quality, having repercus-

60 to 90%. The concentrations of nitrogendioxide

sions on human health and the environment, is

(NO2) presented in the last few years a certain sta-

considered an absolute priority in large urban

tionarity, reaching values above the EU Limit Value

centers and certainly one of the most significant

and the WHO Guidelines. Ozone concentrations

environmental problems for Milan.

(O3) are still high, a secondary product pollutant due to solar radiation and linked to the presence

The Municipality of Milan is selected by:

in the atmosphere of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and

• High emission density (PM10, NOX and VOC);

volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which exceeds

• Adverse meteorological situation due to the dis-

the legal levels for periodic intervals in the summer

persion of pollutants (limited wind speed,

season.

CITY ANALYSIS: MILANO

One of the major problems for Milan’s air quality is

In the territory of the Municipality of Milan the

the high concentrations of fine particulate matter

concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene and heavy meals

(PM10 and PM2.5): in 2018 the average annual con-

(lead, arsenic,cadmium and nickel) in the PM10

centrations of PM10 decreased by 42% compared

have never exceeded the respective limit values or

to 1998, when they are the surveys started, while

target values on the annual average of the surveys,

those of PM2.5 decreased by 32% compared to

but there is a increase from the year 2013 of the

the year 2007 in which the relative measures were

concentrations of benzo(a)pyrene.

started. For PM10, in 2018, the average annual concentra-

PRECIPITATION AND EXTREME WEATHER

tions are equal to 33 μg / m3 and therefore lower

EVENTS

than the EU Limit Value equal to 40 μg / m3 (since 2013 the values are equal to or lower than the Limit

In the pluviometric series a tendency towards a

Value), but still well above the WHO Guidelines

slight decrease in the total annual quantity of -5%

which allow concentrations up to 20 μg / m3.

every 100 years has been identified, particularly in

In 2018 the maximum number of exceedances of

the spring season.

the threshold of 50 μg / m3 of PM10 (as average

For the winter seasons, an increase in total sesonal

daily concentration) is instead equal to 64, above

precipitation is observed.

what is allowed by European legislation (max 35

In the future, average precipitation is expected

times / year) and by the WHO Guidelines ( max

to decrease in spring and summer, while it will

3 times / year). This happens in particular in the

increase significantly in autumn and

winter season, when the emissions from traffic add

winter.

up those deriving from fixed sources, in particular from heating systems, which together involves

There is a significant increase in the number of

the main sources of pollution for fine particulate

high intensity events that increase the hydroge-

matter and nitrogen dioxide for the municipal area.

logical risk. From the analysis of the trend of the

For PM2.5, in 2018, the average annual concentra-

maximum daily rainfall relative to Northern Italy,

tions are equal to 23 μg / m3 and therefore still

an increasing trend of about 26 mm every 100

higher than the EU Limit Value (equal to 20 μg /

years was detected. The frequency and intensity

m3) and more than twice higher than the WHO

of extreme weater events are destined to increase

Guidelines (equal to 10 mg / m3).

due to climate change, although currently not quantitatively etimable due to the unavailabili-

Other polluting compounds, responsible for toxic

ty of reliable projections. Average temperatures

effects already at concentrations Much lower

rise, Heat in the upper layers of the atmosphere

than those normally observed for traditional pol-

generates energy and the energy accumulated in

lutants, which is why they are also called ‘micropo-

the atmosphere contiues to increase. This energy

llutants’, are heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic

feeds meteorological events

hydrocarbons (IPA). The IPA are present in the

and its increase causes extreme weather events.

atmosphere both in the gaseous phase and in the solid phase and are produced by numerous sourc-

POPULATION

es including, mainly, motor vehicle traffic (petrol and diesel exhaust gases) and combustion proceses

The population of the capital has returned to

of organic materials containing carbon (wood, coal,

growth since 2008 and clearly since 2014, residents

etc.).

in Milan in 2017 are 1,380,873, more than 86 thou-

sand more than in 2008. To this number should

REAL ESTATE MARKET AND HOUSING DE-

be added the â&#x20AC;&#x153;domiciledâ&#x20AC;?, commuters , city users,

MAND

tourists, irregular immigrants, etc. The values of new residential properties in the The dynamics of the foreign component are

most dynamic and innovative parts of cities are

certainly weighing on the most recent popula-

growing. On the contrary, prices in peripheral

tion growth which, growing quickly (+ 47.1% in

areas slow down. There is an important increase in

the 2008-2017 period), reaches today the share of

rents for residential properties.

19.4%. The number of families is also increasing, 674.016

The progressive widening of the range of values

at the end of 2015. A trend that does not seem to

between the more dynamic and more peripheral

change is the decreasing of the birth rate, which

areas requires measures designed toencourage

from 9.6% in 2008 goes to 8.3% in 2017.

regeneration processes, especially in peripheral

In the same years a significant growth in the

areas.

weight of the younger classes (from 6 to 34 years)

The scenario of demographic growth and change

has been noted, in particular with the increase

in the structure of the population determine the

of residents between 19 and 24 years (+ 21.7%), a

future housing demand. Demographic projections

value that reaches 54.6% for the foreign compo-

say that the population will grow, as will families.

nent . This trend shows the consolidation of the

Some age groups are expected to grow, in par-

role of the city in attracting young people, who see

ticular young people aged 6-34 together with the

in Milan an opportunity to be able to train and to

elderly, the reduction in the average number of

start their own career or even just to improve their

members per household and growth from

living conditions (this is the case with most of the

the foreign component. These changes in the pop-

foreign population). The increase in over 84 is sig-

ulation are destined to profoundly change the

nificant (approximately +12,000 units) and the old-

housing demand. The type of demand that will

age index is still very high today (177.6), although

grow most rapidly is that of rented housing with

slightly down copared to the recent past .

a social and moderate fee. The type of housing will also change, in relation to changes in the

The demographic projections, elaborated by the

population structure, and the share of rented for

Municipality of Milan in the average scenario to

non-residents will increase. The demand for rent

2030, estimate a further growth: the population

and temporary use will increase, in particular ded-

will amount to 1,458,170 (+ 5.6%) and the number of

icated to university students. The trend of space

families to 729,780 (+ 8.3%).

sharing will continue to grow more and more, especially co-housing solutions.

14% foreigners

21,1 % foreigners

86% italians

78,9% italians 1.380.873 2017

1.480.170 2030

CITY ANALYSIS: MILANO

MILANO’S PLANS FOR THE NEXT YEARS

of the city. CONNECTED CITY

NATURALIZATION OF THE CITY The goal is to build a highly accessible city in 2030. The green is one of the main topic of the vision for

Massive investments in public transport: the con-

the future of the city, to improve air quality, to

struction of the new M4 metro line, the extension

cool the city and drainage conditions for rainwater.

of other metro lines beyond the city boundaries, and the strengthening of the railway belt, in addi-

New areas for agriculture will be created within

tion to the development of high speed trains and

the city.

of the regional railway service. The evolution of

Milan 2030 strategy involves the creation of a met-

the city will go hand in hand with the advancement

ropolitan park, which connects the existing parks

of public transport, the urban growth will clus-

in ecological corridors.

ters residents within a short distance from a train

Overall, the city of 2030 will create 20 new parks

or metro stop, to reduce dependency on private

of more than 1 hectare in size.

mobility.

The redevelopment of the Milan railways will open an additional 65 hectares of green space along the

Connect the city means also overcome barriers

railway.

between the inner and outer city. The vision of development will be expanded towards the met-

The reforestation plan provides for 3 million trees

ropolitan area, into a broader urban regeneration

to be planted throughout the metropolitan area.

plan of the outer city.

The space to plant the trees can be found in public

The regeneration of the main interchange nodes

and private open spaces and also through integrat-

will be crucial for connecting inner and outer city.

ed solutions in buildings. A WHOLE CITY MADE BY NEIGHBORHOODS CITY OF WATER Regeneration of 6 main squares located between One of the main critical points of the city situation

the city center and the periphery. These squares

is the hydrogeological risk. The city will address

will gain a new identity, they will be able to stim-

this problem in two different ways: reopening the

ulate investment and improve the city’s attrac-

canals and improving the drainage capacity of

tiveness and livability. Will additionally help forge

rainwater of the ground.

unified identity for the city’s 88 neighborhoods. Public space will be more and more fundamental

The implementation of the Navigli re-opening

common good. Interventions on public squares

project will help to mitigate of climate change and

both large and small are being undertaken with lo-

reduction of hydraulic risks.

cal neighborhood identities, supporting walkability, increasing green space, and supporting local shops

The drainage capacity of the ground this will be in-

and tourism. They favor safety, cohesion, and so-

creased through subtraction of land from buildings

cial inclusion, building off of widespread services

and through saving on land consumption.

which are designed for young people, the elderly,

This plan is closely linked to the naturalization plan

and the most fragile sections of the population.

NEW WAY OF HOUSING Giving effective answers to a new home demand is the purpose of the social housing plan. One of the main goals of social housing policy is to promote and facilitate accessible rent. The Plan provides incentive measures and public support for private operations, with the aim of maximizing and making sustainable private development plans dedicated to renting with contained rents. Another goal of the plan is to privilege the maintenance and requalification of the public existing heritage, recovering the portions of unused public assets. Finally, with private real estate transactions, the plan intends to support the renewal of the existing public housing assets. SUSTAINABILITY IS MANDATORY The hydrogeological and atmospheric criticalities impose long-term decisions with the aim of countering the increasing effects of climate changes such as heat waves, increased air pollution and increases in torrential rains. Reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as improving the ability to manage extreme weather events, will all be the basis of sustainable and resilient innovation. For this purpose the main directions of intervention are identified: • energy and climate requalification; • circularity of materials; • construction of green infrastructure; • creation of ecosystem services; The building comparison will play a fundamental role in reducing CO2 emissions, through energy efficiency and naturalization, in the interventions on the existing and new buildings.

INTERVIEWS: MILANO INTERVIEW 1 Name: Francesca Sabato

help. On the other hand, if you are a person who needs a lot of privacy, it may not be the perfect place for you.

Topic: Life in Milano related to cohousing How are the spaces in which you live organized? INTERVIEWEE’S PROFILE

Q&A

There are 5 independent apartments that host a total of 27 students between single room and double room. I am in a single room and the apartment consists of two double rooms and three single rooms. We have a small kitchen, two bathrooms and then shared spaces.

You live in a cohousing project, what is it? How

As for cleaning, how do you keep common areas

is this project different than sharing a normal

clean?

Francesca is a 24-year-old girl. She is graduated in communication design and currently she works as a designer. She has lived in the foyer for 3 years.

rental apartment? In each apartment the tenants, according to their Specifically, cohousing is a model of residential

own needs, provide for the cleaning of the rooms,

residence in which there are private accommoda-

but for the common areas there is a calendar of

tion and large spaces shared between the cohous-

shifts organized at the beginning of each school

ers. This spaces are dedicated to socializing and

year.

conviviality. In general I like to define cohousing as an experience rather than a type of home. Joining

Are there any problems with cleaning?

an initiative of this kind for me represents a commitment and a challenge, we must really try to be

Shifts are respected in my personal apartment.

open to everything and everyone.

The main problem is more about cleaning. Each of us has a different idea of cleanliness and therefore

What do you like and don’t like in living in a co-

sometimes what for someone is clean for others is

housing?

not. This creates discomfort, but then everything is good.

The beauty of living in such a place is that even when you feel lonely you never are for real. You can always knock on someone’s door and ask for

How do you organize yourself to wash and hang clothes?

We have difficulties managing the washing of

INTERVIEW 2

clothes because maybe more than one of us wants to use the washing machine at the same time and

Name: Daniele Bocchiola

anyway two washing machines are not enough.

Topic: Water resources and climate change

The house is small and when it rains we have a space issue, there is only one drying rack and it

INTERVIEWEE’S PROFILE

hinders the passage. Daniele is a professor at Politecnico di Milano. His Are there any problems with cleaning the air?

field of interest in research covers a broad range

(smells, problems related to cigarette smoke, air

of issues, with particular focus upon impact of

circulation, etc.)

ongoing and prospective climate change on water resources, natural hazard, agriculture, and cry-

Yes, some of us smoke, but the rule is to smoke

osphere in the European Alps, the Andes, the Hin-

outside the home. It’s not a big deal, we all respect

du-Kush Karakorum the Himalaya, the Caribbeans,

this rule and we never had problems with other

Haiti. Conflictual use of water among nations, and

stinks.

game theory approach. Statistics of extremes, rainfall, floods and snowfall precipitation, and regionalization techniques. Q&A

· An important problem is doing the laundry: the washing machines provided are not enough and this creates organizational difficulties among the tenants · Not enough space to hang the clothes when people have to dry them after the washing

Climate change in the next 15 years and any critical issues in the city of Milan Milan is fed by groundwater, water takes 150 m below ground, the availability of water in Milan depends on this stratum which is very abundant. There is no possibility of water shortage in the coming years or in any case nobody has investigated whether in the next 20 years there will be significant changes in the availability of water but probably not. Instead the surface water regime could change, all the rivers of Lombardy that also

INTERVIEWS: MILANO

pass through Milan will have their seasonal cycles

convective energy in the atmosphere and there-

modified and this could impact the dynamics of

fore there will be more extreme events like storms

the great lakes, whose waters are used to irrigate.

and floods. This will affect the city of Milan be-

A big issue is the lack of water for irrigation. Water

cause it will have problems managing floods, which

consumption for irrigation is much greater than

it is already having. So the problems of the city

drinking water (which in Milan is on average 500l /

of Milan are the waves of urban heat (see Urban

day per person). To irrigate we use the water that

Heat Island), which is the increase in temperature

comes from the river, which comes from the lakes,

in the city rather than in the surrounding areas,

because we do not need quality water. Or purify

due to asphalt or non-reflective surfaces such as

the sewage water and use it to irrigate. Once it was

roofs, and the occurrence of extreme events. Not

thrown without purifying it and nothing happened,

the lack of water because it comes from the water

the purifier was introduced from the early 2000s

table and in the short term the water table will

to comply with a European law. Water is used for

not change due to climate change. The problem

drinking because it is clean. Until the middle of the

of water shortages could occur in southern Italy

century, the availability of surface water is expect-

because so many cities like Rome take water from

ed to change.

rivers, poor rainfall and high temperatures can

By mid-century the main climate change in Milan

cause desertification.

will be the increase in temperature, already increased by at least 0.5 Â° C in the last 30-40 years.

Is there a risk that the groundwater may be con-

The municipality of Milan has a climate emergency

taminated?

plan. Basically plan to plant trees (see Maran councilor), create green zones to mitigate urban heat

The pollutants in the groundwater have been left

areas. There is a mapping of areas at risk of strong

by industries in the last 100 years but for the past

heat waves, periods with temperatures above 35 Â°

30-40 years the most polluting industries are gone

and today there is a lot of control. Pollution pock-

The other thing is that the rising temperatures

ets are north of the water table but have nothing

in the mountain environment from which all the

to do with climate change. What can happen is

rivers that feed Milan (es navigli) come, will change

that the sewage flows into the rivers, the more

the availability of water in the mountain basins.

water there is, the more this waste water is dilut-

The canals fed by these rivers are used for irriga-

ed, if there is less water it does not dilute and the

tion.

bacterial and organic load remains high and the

Glaciers melt, especially in summer there will be

self-cleaning capacity of the rivers.

less water from glacial melting. In spring the snow melts at high altitude and therefore in April-May-

Will our habits in the home change due to climate

June the rivers have a high flow. In the future if

change?

there is no snow or there will be less summer and spring will tend to be dry. On the other hand

Not for that matter the availability of drinking wa-

in autumn it will get hotter, it will snow less or

ter. Only agriculture could have problems with wa-

higher, and therefore there will be more violent

ter availability. There are problems related to heat

rain events, there will be more floods and extreme

waves instead. They are already beginning to talk

events, because the altitude at which it snows will

about the conversion of green roofs (see Maran, 2

always be higher. If it gets hotter there is more

km2 of Milan roofs that will be rendered verses).

This decreases urban floods because the roof soil

below glaciers, if glaciers melt or there is little

retains water. Plants breathing cool the environ-

snow these dams produce little energy. Milan (a2a

ment, buildings can be conditioned by cooling in

Edison Enel) draw on the energy produced by the

this way instead of using air conditioning.

dams in Valtellina. This could cause problems in Milan without electricity (see degree thesis in the

Does it make sense to talk about rainwater reuse

documents).

in the city of Milan? Air pollution Rainwater is polluted, contains atmospheric dust and nutrients, cannot be drunk and must be treat-

The trees that Milan will plant absorb co2 but not

ed heavily to be drunk. It makes no sense in Milan.

atmospheric particulate matter, micro dust and other atmospheric pollutants. There are many

Is it a problem that rainwater is treated together

other pollutants and greenhouse gases. Main

with sewage water?

emissions come from mobility and heating, which pollute a lot especially in winter and when they use

The sewers of Milan have a mixed system, col-

diesel.

lect both the black water of the houses and the rain water. The sewage water goes to the three purifiers of the city, the purifiers serve to purify the black water, and are sized to purify a certain amount of water. When it rains the flow rate of the sewerage becomes much larger. The purifier cannot purify all this water and therefore when it rains the purifiers are disconnected. When it rains as the first 5-10mm of water clean urban surfaces, those waters try to keep them aside and then purify it slowly, because you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want them to go into the environment. Because the sewers eventually go into the river and then into the fields. Saving water at home? In general it is appropriate but large volumes are related to irrigation in agriculture. The shower can be a problem in situations of severe lack of water but this is not the home of Milan. Hydroelectric energy At the national level hydroelectric is 20%, but in the north it is much more because we have many dams. These dams are often at high altitudes or

Âˇ The interview helped us to understand that water scarcity is a problem connected with agriculture so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not the main problem connected with our topic washing and cleaning

KEY FINDINGS: MILANO 30

Growth and cultural diversity Young population

Interviews findings

City initiatives wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be enough Air pollution

That address environmental issues Social Organizations

Shared spaces for affordability Housing

Society

Data findings

Time/space issues for residents

CASE STUDIES

CASE STUDY 1: NATEDE OVERVIEW Natede is a smart device for air purifying that puts together nature, technology and design in one product. Thanks to the combination of a plant with its innovative filter, this air purifier successfully eliminates 93% of VOCs, 99% of bacteria, viruses, fine-particulate and odors. With advanced sensors, it can accurately measure the temperature and humidity in real time, as well pollutants (VOCs), fine particulates (PM2.5), and carbon monoxide (CO). Natede Premium includes an additional sensor for carbon dioxide (CO2). HOW DOES IT WORK? Natede is equipped with a photocatalytic filter

Natedeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mobile app dashboard shows real-time

covered with titanium dioxide. Photocatalysis is a

monitoring of the IAQ (Internal Air Quality). The

natural process that decomposes the organic mat-

wave frequency changes depending on the IAQ

ter at the molecular level, and the best part of it is

levels. Whether you are cooking, working, relax-

that this filter does not need any replacement.

ing or sleeping, you can select from 4 different modalities.

Its products amplify the natural phytoremediation power of plants to eliminate VOCs from the air in-

Natede can even connect to other smart home

doors. By boosting phytoremediation, living plants

devices that directly report the quality of the air to

can bioaccumulate, degrade, or render harmless

the user, allowing him/her to manage the device

contaminants in soils, water or air.

with voice commands.

Natede features a proximity sensor that lets you

environment.” “Your life and your health is too

turn it ON an OFF by simply moving your hand

precious to leave control in the hands of others.

close to it. Natede has a bright heart that beats

(...) We empower you to protect yourselves and

slow or fast depending on the level of your indoor

your loved ones (...) Take back the power to stay

air quality. When it features a fixed light, you

healthy and happy.”

know you’re breathing excellent air. RELEVANCE TO THE THEME Natede features a self-watering system that helps to further reduce water consumption, its water

During our research, we saw a necessity to

tank can bring water to the plant for about a

understand more about air cleaning. This case

month.

study is useful for insights on how to unite technology and nature resources to purify the air

COMPANY’S INFO

at indoor spaces.

· Name: Vitesy

It’s also interesting because, different from the

· Established in 2016

air purifiers we usually see, it doesn’t give the

· Website: vitesy.com

impression that you have another machine or

· Goal: “remove the bad stuff that surrounds

robot at home. It fits the space, it blends into the

us, and enable us to live in only clean, pure

home environment.

environments”. · Vision: “Modern living can be a challenge. Pollutants, chemicals and toxins fill the spaces we live and work in. And with climate change, things are only getting worse. But it doesn’t have to be that way.” The company will introuce a new product in the fall of 2019 that will “enable people to live safer, healthier (...) We want to empower you with tools that let you take control of your

· Visual signals for communicating the quality of the air · Connection with other home devices · Convenience: it doesn’t require replacements · Customizability

CASE STUDIES

CASE STUDY 2: EXHALE

OVERVIEW

chandelier illuminates the space but also stimulates photosynthesis performed by tiny

Exhale is the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first living Bionic Chandelier

microalgae, this living microorganisms feed on

which purifies the air indoor. This piece explores

carbon dioxide while releasing breathable oxygen

how advances in biotechnology and engineering

into the room.

can be applied to everyday objects and architecture to increase the quality of our lives.

This biological process performed by the chandelier establishes and explores a new

HOW DOES IT WORK?

symbiotic relationship between object and people where life-giving resources are constantly

The chandelier purifies the air indoors through

exchanged, and where each other waste enables

photosynthesis performed by living microalgae

respective metabolic processes.

enclosed into leaf modules. This exchange recalls how biospheric systems Exhale is also the first living object which

work, where waste ultimately doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t exist but

continuously grows while performing biologically-

is a valuable resource for other elements in that

driven depurative functions. The light of the

system.

Exhale is now part of the prestigious V&A permanent collection. The design follows Julian’s biomimicry approach of “forming through function” while taking inspiration from nature and the V&A’s Art-Nouveau and Islamic Art collections. The metal structure is entirely hand-made and burned-colored. Each structure holds a single leaf module of 3 different sizes that repeats it-self 70 times on a radial array; similar to how nature shapes plants and shells. The Bionic Chandelier is connected to a lifesupport-unit device, developed by Arborea’s engineers, which nourishes and maintains the microorganisms culture alive. COMPANY’S INFO · Name: Julian Melchiorri · Year: 2017 · Website: www.julianmelchiorri.com/BionicChandelier RELEVANCE TO THE THEME It’s interesting how this process and this natural element are transformed into a piece of art (or a piece of furniture).

· Desire for products that fit into the space smoothly, without remembering the user that the air isn’t clean or needs to be purified

CASE STUDIES

CASE STUDY 3: EWASHING

OVERVIEW

The company has a strong bargaining power, while the service can save the cost of stores operation,

Ewashing is a service that picks up the clothes that

enable to provide a more competitive cleaning

the customer wants to be cleaned, deliver it to the

price, only 50% of the price of the traditional

laundry and return the clothes to the customer’s

laundry.

home after the cleaning is completed. Ewashing recruits some community residents in HOW DOES IT WORK?

each living community as door-to-door delivery service personnel, responsible for deliver services

The user can request door-to-door pick-up

within 2 km of their residence.

service through the mobile terminal (WeChat public number, APP, etc.) The staff will pick up

When the user places an order, the community

the item within 2 hours after the order. Each bag

worker wearing a bright sky blue uniform will pick

of clothing will undergo 15 strict professional

up the clothes to be cleaned at the time specified

cleaning procedures, and will be returned within

by the user.

72 hours. If there is a problem with the cleaning of the Real-time tracking and tracing of data is

clothes, return to the wash free of charge until

possible throughout the order, allowing users to

you are satisfied.

view order status in real time. COMPANY’S INFO The cleaning services currently provided include washing, washing shoes, washing home textiles,

· Name: Ewashing

washing curtains, luxury goods maintenance, and

· Established in 2007

high-end ready-to-wear, home textiles, etc., and

· Website: www.edaixi.com/

continue to expand, will include more services in

· China’s leading mobile Internet smart care

the future.

platform

RELEVANCE TO THE THEME This might show how people are more open to other to other forms of cleaning and washing models. It doesn’t necessarily need to be done by oneself, it can be trusted to a third part. If we think especially about young people living in cities, that have a low budget because of house pricing and are at the begining of their careers, convenient and lower cost services could be a better alternative over buying new devices. Also, when we think about space, it is more convenient from the aspect that it won’t take any space in your room or house.

· Service over product · Money saving · Convenience: door-to-door service · Customizability · Trust: community workersthe air isn’t clean or needs to be purified

CASE STUDIES

CASE STUDY 4: MIJIA

OVERVIEW is traveling, they can use his home appliances Mijia is a smart home system from MI. The artwork

or monitor the water quality and the air inside

in life is the product concept of Mijia brand â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

their home, which brings great convenience to

their aim is to bring a smart home product to

the user.

consumers with reliable quality, excellent design and at a cheaper price.

For example, to clean the house without being at home, the user can use the Mijia app to start the

HOW DOES IT WORK?

sweeping robot. When they return home, there is no need to worry about the cleaning problem

There are many smart home appliances in

on the floo. By using XIAO AI, a smart AI

Xiaomi, such as surveillance cameras, air

assistant can help the user to control all the MI

purifiers, air detectors, sweeping robots, rice

appliances in the house through the language.

cookers, ceiling lamps, cooking machines, washing machines, water purifiers, microwave

The vacuum robot that can be connected to the

ovens, air conditioners, gas stoves, range hoods,

app has different sensors: an ultrasonic sensor,

etc.

an infrared sensor, a laser scanner, a collision sensor, a gyroscope and so on, as well as a number

After people purchase these appliances, they

of additional features. It generates a map of the

can be connected to the Mijia app. If the user

house.

COMPANY’S INFO · Name: Mijia · Established in 2016 · Website: http://home.mi.com/index.html

RELEVANCE TO THE THEME This case study was important to understand how people are looking for more ways to automate their ways of cleaning and washing their house not only with the use of eletronical devices but also by controling them from another environment. If we think especially about people living in cities who don’t have enough time, this allows them to find the house clean when they arrive. It gives a higher sense of comfort for them.

· Automating household cleaning activities · Remote control allows people to clean their homes without the need stay there or go back, saving time · Interoperability between intelligent devices · Personalization, allowing users to control devices from their favorite brands because not all homes use the same products and services

2035 SCENARIOS

SHANGHAI

In 2017, people aged 60 and over accounted for

continue to increase dramatically. Moreover,

33.2% of Shanghaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s total population. According

the discharge of large amounts of industrial

to the Shanghai Civil Affairs Bureau statistics, the

wastewater and untreated domestic wastewater,

cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s elderly will continue to grow and will account

as well as the intrusion of saltwater into rivers,

for 40% of the registered population in 2030. Old

have caused serious water pollution in Shanghai.

people will, in great part, live alone, which might

Water resources in short supply will rise the price

translate into greater difficulties to carry daily

of water fees.

cleaning and washing activities for the house. In the scenario NEW WINE IN OLD BOTTLES, Part of the city plan for Shanghai is focused on

smart ways to clean chemical particles on clothing

increasing the air quality. Although by 2035 air

and indoor environment will help old people doing

pollution will be greatly reduced, some initiatives

the washing and cleaning tasks with low effort and

and solutions will still need to be adopted.

with low water usage.

The annual mean concentration of PM2.5 will be controlled at around 25mcg/m3 by 2035. However, it will still be above the World Health Organization Air Guidelines, which say it should be at a maximum level of 10 mcg/m3 annually. Small particles suspended in the air cause serious health problems, mainly to old people. Clothes also get dirty from the exposure to the polluted air and need to be cleaned frequently. In terms of water resources, due to the population growth and the improvement of living standards, the amount of domestic water consumption will Sharing to Strive

New Wine in Old Bottles

Water Quality

Air Pollution

Elderly

Social Housing

Work Addicted

NEW WINE IN OLD BOTTLES

2035 SCENARIOS

According to Shanghai population predictions, the city will see its population pass the 34 millions mark in 2035. As a result, urban space will become more crowded and costs for buying and renting properties will rise. In order to afford housing spaces, people will live together sharing apartments. Trying to keep all the personal objects in one room and keep it tidy and clean will be hard. Also, cleaning tasks will be more difficult as people living together may have different cleaning habits and different needs. Lots of people in China spend a lot of time working and don’t have time and energy for housework and house maintenance. Even if the development of Shanghai’s economy improves people’s living conditions and environment, long term overwork and stress make young workers tired and eager for a high-quality and clean living space. Young people will read and learn more about pollution, leading them to be more aware and concerned with environmental problems. In the scenario SHARING TO STRIVE, efficient and environmentally friendly solutions will help working people to clean narrow and shared spaces. Sharing to Strive

Social Housing

Work Addicted

SHANGHAI

SHARING TO STRIVE

2035 SCENARIOS

MILANO

By 2035, Milan plans to increase its green areas by creating 20 new parks and planting 3 million trees in the Metropolitan area. These initiatives aim to mitigate climate change effects (heat peaks, heavy rains and flooding) and to improve air quality by reducing the levels of CO2. For the Planet’s Army, these initiatives won’t be enough and they will feel that immediate actions must be taken. This might mean making radical changes by cutting down aspects of their own selfcomfort in order to make the air better and put the environment first. Activists and environmentalists with a preference for an “offline life”, these people will look for the most environmentally friendly alternatives. When it comes to enhancing the quality of the air, they will have indoor and outdoor plants and other nature based solutions. In the scenario PLANET ARMY, homes will be filled with plants, algae and other natural solutions in order to clean the air inside the rooms and provide green urban environments inside the house where they can enjoy their contact with nature.

Planet Army

Air Pollution

Nature Lovers

Better Together

Cohousing

Youth/Foreigner

PLANET ARMY

2035 SCENARIOS

For 2030, the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population is expected to grow and reach 1.458.170 (+5,6% in comparison with 2017). Milanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goals are to increase social cohesion and inclusion, providing public spaces with temporary and flexible uses. Also, the city wants to set up co-housing solutions as a way for low-income populations to have access to a house. Attracted by job opportunities, young people will come to the city and benefit from these cohousing and shared house alternatives. In this context, people will own less and share more, caring not only for economic benefits but also for the community and its values. In a cohousing environment, there will be private spaces but also common spaces that people will share and will take care of. Daily activities such as doing the laundry could be hard if many people share the washing devices. In the scenario BETTER TOGETHER, a device will allow people living in a co-housing environment to wash their clothes in a more efficient way, giving them the possibility to wash their clothes whenever they want or have to.

Nature Lovers

Better Together

Cohousing

Youth/Foreigner

MILANO

BETTER TOGETHER

NOTES & REFERENCES

City Analysis: Shanghai [1] Chu, Wenchao, et al. “Temperature Change of Shanghai and Its Response to Global Warming and Urbanization.” Atmosphere, vol. 7, no. 9, 2016, p. 114., doi:10.3390/atmos7090114. Access: pdfs.semanticscholar.org/92c5/4c63e87b0ca1c0443046dc07bef635159206.pdf. [2] Cities of the future: visualizing climate change to inspire action. Access: https://crowtherlab.pageflow.io/cities-of-the-future-visualizing-climate-change-to-inspire-action#210427 [3] Li, Ke, et al. “Anthropogenic Drivers of 2013–2017 Trends in Summer Surface Ozone in China.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 116, no. 2, 2018, pp. 422–427., doi:10.1073/pnas.1812168116. Access: https://www. pnas.org/content/pnas/116/2/422.full.pdf [4,5] “China’s War on Pollution Just Got More Complicated.” South China Morning Post, 7 Jan. 2019. Access: www.scmp. com/news/china/article/2181071/chinas-fight-clean-air-just-got-more-complicated-after-scientists-link. [6] “Volatile Organic Compounds’ Impact on Indoor Air Quality.” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, 6 Nov. 2017. Access: www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-impact-indoor-air-quality. [7] United Nations Development Programme, et al. “Hydrofluorocarbons.” Climate &amp; Clean Air Coalition, 1 Jan. 1970. Access: www.ccacoalition.org/fr/slcps/hydrofluorocarbons-hfc. [8] “The Three-Degree World: Cities That Will Be Drowned by Global Warming.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 3 Nov. 2017. Access: www.theguardian.com/cities/ng-interactive/2017/nov/03/three-degree-world-citiesdrowned-global-warming. [9] “Air Quality Analysis and Forecast of Shanghai in Recent Years”. (Chinese) Access: gb.oversea.cnki.net/KCMS/detail/detail.aspx?filename=SHDR201901015&amp;dbcode=CJFD&amp;dbname=CJFDTEMP

[10] Shan, Xinmeng, et al. “Scenario-Based Extreme Flood Risk of Residential Buildings and Household Properties in Shanghai.” Sustainability, vol. 11, no. 11, 2019, p. 3202., doi:10.3390/su11113202. [11] Starostenko, S. V. “Development Of The System Of Early Warning And Control For Utilities (Water Supply).” Business Strategies, no. 8, 2017, pp. 25–31., doi:10.17747/2311-7184-2017-8-25-31. [12] “How China’s Sponge Cities Are Preparing for Sea-Level Rise.” World Economic Forum, 28 June 2019. Access: www. weforum.org/agenda/2019/06/how-china-s-sponge-cities-are-preparing-for-sea-level-rise/. [13] “China’s ‘Sponge Cities’ Aim to Re-Use 70% of Rainwater.” CNN, Cable News Network, 15 Oct. 2018. Access: edition. cnn.com/2017/09/17/asia/china-sponge-cities/index.html?sr=twCNN091817china-sponge-cities0946AMStoryGal. [14] “In 2050, the Proportion of Shanghai’s Household Registration Population Will Exceed That of Japan or Reach 44.5%.” Guancha, 2016, Access: www.guancha.cn/local/2016_07_08_366846.shtml. [15] Braungart, M. McDonough, W. Cradle to cradle: remaking the way we make things. Noth Point Press, 2002, p. 38. [16] Shanghai Master Plan 2017 - 2035. Access: http://www.shanghai.gov.cn/newshanghai/xxgkfj/2035004.pdf [17] WHO Air quality guidelines for particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide. Access: https:// www.who.int/phe/health_topics/outdoorair/outdoorair_aqg/en/ References Chen, Chunlai. “Impact of China’s Outward Foreign Direct Investment on Its Regional Economic Growth.” China &amp; World Economy, vol. 26, no. 3, 2018, pp. 1–21., doi:10.1111/cwe.12240. Hai, Shang, et al. Shanghai 2050: for the next 30 Years the Shanghai Development Strategy Research of Parallel Report (Chinese Edition). Due Press, 2016.

NOTES & REFERENCES

Hu, Zhan, and Xizhe Peng. “Household Changes in Contemporary China: an Analysis Based on the Four Recent Censuses.” The Journal of Chinese Sociology, vol. 2, no. 1, 2015, doi:10.1186/s40711-015-0011-0. Parton, C. “China’s Wooming Water Crisis”. China Dialogue, 2018. Access: https://chinadialogue-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/content/file_en/10608/China_s_looming_water_crisis_v.2__1_.pdf “Study on the Safety Early Warning System of Water Sources in Shanghai under the Background of Sea Level Rise” (Chinese). Resources Science, 2012. Access: http://www.resci.cn/CN/abstract/abstract34658.shtml The 13th Five-Year Plan for Environmental Protection and Ecological Construction in Shanghai. Access: http://www. h2o-china.com/news/view?id=248566&page=2 City Analysis: Milano “Piano di governo del territorio. Relazione Generale”, Comune di Milano.https://www.comune.milano.it/documents/20126/2053134/01DP_Relazione_Generale.pdf/baba55b0-c49a-ce8a-d9d2-68380cce21d2?t=1554714856097 “Climate and health country profile - Italy”, World Health Organization. https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/ handle/10665/260380/WHO-FWC-PHE-EPE-15.52-eng.pdf;jsessionid=CE32EA8573125BB27B17ED3FCAA46A23?s equence=1 “Building Resilience into Milan’s 2030 City Plan”, 100 Resilient Cities. https://www.100resilientcities.org/building-resilience-milans-2030-city-plan/ “Valutazione Ambientale Strategica. Piano di Governo del Territorio. Rapporto Ambientale. Allegato 2”, Comune di Milano. http://allegati.comune.milano.it/territorio/201806-Rev_PGT/06_Rapporto_Ambientale/VAS_Rapporto_Ambientale_All2.pdf “Rapporto giornaliero sulla qualità dell’aria”, AMAT. https://www.amat-mi.it/it/ambiente/bollettino-qualita-aria/ “Piano Nazionale di Adattamento ai Cambiamenti Climatici”, cmcc.https://www.minambiente.it/sites/default/files/ archivio_immagini/adattamenti_climatici/documento_pnacc_luglio_2017.pdf “Strategia Nazionale di Adattamento ai Cambiamenti Climatici”, Ministero dell’Ambiente. http://www.pdc.minambiente.it/sites/default/files/allegati/Strategia_nazionale_adattamento_cambiamenti_climatici.pdf Bastin J-F, Clark E, Elliott T, Hart S, van den Hoogen J, Hordijk I, et al. (2019) Understanding climate change from a global analysis of city analogues. PLoS ONE 14(7): e0217592. https:// doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0217592